News

When Government or Alcohol is Involved: Tort Claims

If the death was caused by a public entity, or someone working for a public entity, then a “Tort Claim Notice” has to be received by the proper person or department within one year of the incident that caused the death (If it’s an injury that does not cause death, the time limit is only… read more

Product Liability Allows for Special Time limits

In addition to the normal statutes of limitations, there are also “statutes of ultimate repose.” For example, in a product liability case, which is where a person sues the maker or distributor of a product that was unsafe, the lawsuit must be started before the product is ten years old. So if someone buys a… read more

Celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recognizing this week in October, National Teen Driver Safety Week. NHTSA would like to remind parents of teen drivers to discuss these various safety topics that are among some of the most risky behaviors of teen drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths for those… read more

How Long do you Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In addition to the practical time limit of trying to gather information while it’s fresh, there are also legal time limits. These legal time limits are called “statutes of limitations” and you will hear this term a lot. First, another statement of our disclaimer: statutes of limitations are notoriously difficult. There are many, many special… read more

Wrongful Death: Securing Evidence in a Timely Manner

Immediately after the death of a loved one, you are likely in no condition to be talking with lawyers, thinking about legalities, or, certainly, securing evidence. But we can promise you, the insurance company and lawyers for the person or company responsible for the death will not hesitate. They will rush out and gather whatever… read more

Personal Injury Lawyer: Write an Injury Claim Demand Letter

One of the most difficult tasks that people encounter when involved in a personal injury case is putting together a demand letter.   A demand letter is, essentially, a letter expressly stating a legal right and an amount due as reasonable compensation for injuries to person and/or property.  In most cases, this task will be handled… read more

Reaching a Settlement in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Once a settlement offer has been made, it is your lawyer’s job to advise you as to whether the offer is reasonable given the risks of a trial. But it is the personal representative’s job – not the lawyer’s – to make the final decision as to whether to accept a settlement offer. A judge… read more

The Defense Will Disparage the Life of Your Loved One

Much of the other side’s case will be based on trying to show that the decedent’s life was not worth all that much. This is a harsh aspect of our legal system. Your lawyer will be showing that the deceased person was a human being who lived a full life, loved and was loved in… read more

Top 10 Oregon Motorcycle Safety Tips

Recently there has been a large number of motorcycle accidents and deaths in Oregon.  The rate of injury on a motorcycle is much greater than in a vehicle since there is much less protection between you and the road, other vehicles or obstacles. Every year, dozens of motorcyclists need the services of a good Portland motorcycle… read more

The Discovery Process of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Long before a trial is ever held, both sides have the right to “discovery.” In Oregon state court, this centers on depositions and requests for discovery. Let’s take them one at a time. Depositions are like recorded, official interviews. In a deposition, the lawyer can ask questions of opposing parties and witnesses, and they have… read more